Off the pitch: Learn all the time, train everywhere.
On the sidelines of the first day of the 2026 Nghe An Newspaper and Radio & Television Cup Youth Football Tournament, the young players enjoyed carefree moments around the ball, the love and support of their families, and the joy of learning from their older teammates...
Learn all the time, practice everywhere.
There is one easily noticeable common point inFootball LeagueNghe An Newspaper and Radio & Television Cup 2026: Young players seem to miss no opportunity to learn.
When they're not competing, many of the children gather at the stadium to watch other matches. Their eyes intently follow every move and every tackle, learning football from their peers.
The joy of the young players was further amplified when the organizers gave the teams a special opportunity: to attend the match between Song Lam Nghe An and PVF-CAND at Vinh Stadium in the V.League. For many of them, this was the first time they had seen professional players compete in person.
“Not only are the children excited, but the parents and coaches are also very happy. This is a valuable experience for the children to nurture their passion and learn more from their older peers,” shared Mr. Nguyen Ke Kien, Head of the Quy Chau Children's Team.
That spirit was also evident from the day of the exchange and the draw for the group stage at Studio S1. Upon receiving new balls from the organizers and sponsors, many players immediately took them out and practiced juggling them on the spot. Before long, the courtyard in front of the Nghe An Newspaper and Radio and Television headquarters became a makeshift training ground filled with laughter and chatter. Coaches and parents enthusiastically watched and cheered, just as excitedly as those in the stands.
The lessons of football come not only from matches, but also from moments of observation, experience, and inspiration.
"Cheer less, save the water for the kids."
Amidst the scorching heat, drinks and refreshments were sought after just as much as goals at this year's Nghe An Newspaper and Radio & Television Cup Youth and Children's Football Tournament.
During the match between Quan Cheng Youth and Da Hui Youth, as the older players prepared to compete, the group of young players accompanying the team quickly found an open space outside the main field to... play football. The sideline match was just as lively as the one on the main field. Only when these "reluctant players" started looking for water did the spectators discover a worrying truth: the water supply for the team was decreasing unusually rapidly.
"Kids, stop playing soccer! If you keep playing, you'll drink all the water the older boys have!", one parent jokingly reminded them.
A similar story unfolded after the match between the Thành Vinh Youth and the Thiên Nhẫn Youth. When the game ended, the team's water buckets were empty. While everyone was discussing getting more water, a humorous conversation took place:
- I'm criticizing the parents; they drank all the children's water!
- I got thirsty from cheering so much!
- But I guess it was thanks to all the shouting that our team won!
The conversation made everyone laugh. In this childhood tournament, it wasn't just the players who sweated; those in the stands also gave their all for their passion.
"Here's your baby!"
In the scorching heat that even young, healthy people dread, the appearance of these grandfathers...grandmotherThey became even more precious. Among the fans present at the youth football stadium on the afternoon of June 7th, there was an elderly man who attracted a lot of attention.
That was Mrs. Ho Thi Dan, 81 years old, with her white hair, hobbling around in search of her grandson amidst the crowd. “Where’s Bo? Why can’t I see him?” she asked, looking around as she walked. Not seeing his familiar uniform, she was about to go to the other side of the field. Only when people pointed him out did she recognize her grandson, Bui Anh Son, sitting and watching the older boys play in his everyday clothes.
Upon seeing her grandson, the grandmother sat down right beside him, stroked his hair, patted his hands, and asked him all sorts of questions. The boy couldn't hide his joy either, excitedly telling her about the tournament and about soon being able to go to Vinh Stadium to watch the Song Lam Nghe An players compete. "I can watch for free, Grandma. Do you want to go watch? Do you have 50,000 dong to buy a ticket? Or should I give you 50,000 dong?" Sơn innocently asked.
The conversation between the grandmother and grandson brought joy to those around them. According to the family, Son is very attached to his grandmother at home. After only one day apart for the tournament, the boy kept calling, asking his grandmother to come and stay with him. Out of love for her grandson, despite her leg pain, Mrs. Dan insisted on going to the tournament, staying overnight so she could cheer him on the next morning. Surely, the presence of this special supporter will give Son extra strength to enter the match.
